France welcomes the African Union Peace and Security Council’s unanimous adoption, on March 4, of the Concept of Operations of the Multinational Joint Task Force to fight Boko Haram. This represents an important step toward the establishment of a robust, organized regional force, which we have been calling for.

France condemns the deadly attacks perpetrated by the terrorist group Boko Haram in Niger and Cameroon over the last few days. It extends its condolences to the authorities of Cameroon, Niger and Chad, as well as to the victims’ families.

France lends its support to the Nigerian authorities and people in their fight against terrorism. It supports the holding of free, transparent and peaceful elections to which the candidates have committed themselves.

France utterly condemns the attacks perpetrated on 17 and 18 January in the far north of Cameroon, and the attack committed in Potiskum, Nigeria. We extend our condolences to the families of the victims of terrorism and call for the immediate release of the people kidnapped.

France strongly condemns and expresses its outrage at the escalation of violence in northeastern Nigeria following the terrorist attacks against the cities of Baga and surrounding areas, Maiduguri and Potiskum.

France condemns the terrorist attacks perpetrated on January 8 in the town of Baga and the surrounding villages, in northeastern Nigeria. Many displaced persons and refugees have fled the area, and according to press reports, there are numerous casualties.

France condemns the attacks carried out by the terrorist group Boko Haram in the village of Gumsuri in Borno State (in northeastern Nigeria), during which 32 people were killed and 185 others were kidnapped. We assure the families affected and the Nigerian authorities of our solidarity. Those responsible for these acts must be brought to justice.

France welcomes the commitment made on july 23 in Niamey by the heads of state of Nigeria, Cameroon, Niger and Chad to contribute to a multinational force to combat the terrorist threat in Nigeria, within the framework of the Lake Chad Basin Commission.

France condemns the terrorist attack against the city of Damboa and neighboring villages in northeast Nigeria, during which approximately 40 people were killed and which has reportedly led to the displacement of more than 15,000 people.

Annick Girardin, Minister of State for Development and Francophony, represented France in London at the Global Summit to end Sexual Violence in Conflict. On this occasion, she met with the ministers and key figures who support Britain’s Preventing Sexual Violence Initiative.

France welcomes the inclusion of Boko Haram on the UN terrorism-related sanctions list. This decision will make it possible to hamper the capabilities of this terrorist organization thanks to the immediate freezing by all UN members of its financial assets and economic resources, as well through an arms embargo.

"In the face of such a situation, outrage is not enough. That’s why the French President instructed the Defence Minister and me, as soon as that horrible crime was committed, to make the services available to Nigeria and the neighbouring countries. This very morning, the President asked us to make contact with the President of Nigeria to tell him that a specialized team, with all the resources in the region, was available to Nigeria to help with the search and rescue operation for the girls."

France condemns the massacre perpetrated on 15 February in Borno State which, according to the latest report, cost the lives of over 100 people. We express our condolences to the families and close friends of the victims of this appalling violence.

France expresses its deep concern at the enactment of a law in Nigeria strengthening the criminalization of homosexuality in the country. In violation of the international commitments to which Nigeria has freely subscribed, this law restricts the freedom of association, assembly and expression and undermines the fundamental rights of LGBT persons.

France condemns the terrorist attack perpetrated on September 29 against the agricultural college in Gujba, Nigeria. According to the latest reports, at least 40 students may have died in this heinous and cowardly attack.

France condemns this heinous and cowardly act. In these tragic circumstances, France reaffirms its commitment to the fight against terrorism and its solidarity with the Nigerian government and people in the face of this terrible ordeal.

In accordance with the UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property, France will today hand over to Nigeria 5 unlawfully imported statuettes. This property was seized in 2010 by the Directorate-General for Customs and Indirect Duties.